Hammersmith flyover set to reopen

Transport officials have reopened part of the Hammersmith flyover, after the route into central London was closed for repairs last year.

One lane in each direction will be open to traffic on the flyover, which serves as a busy route into west London and is seen by many as one of the capital's most vital thoroughfares. However, width restrictions mean that lorries and coaches still cannot use the road.

The bridge carrying the A4 road was closed on December 23 last year to allow Transport for London (TfL) to repair major structural damage following a check of the road's strength in 2011.

Tests showed worrying signs of significant water damage to the bridge's structure, forcing officials to shut the flyover to all traffic while repairs were carried out.

However, travellers are being encouraged to take alternative routes into London as the continuing road works are likely to cause severe disruption to traffic flow.

Although the announcement has been seen as proof that progress is being made, pressure is mounting on TfL to have the flyover completely repaired in time for the opening of the London 2012 Olympics in the summer.